Mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror

Abstract

Fasteners and methods for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror without requiring removal of the previously installed mirror are provided. Each fastener includes a support panel. A first bracket portion extends from a first face of the support panel and is configured to receive a portion of an outer edge of the previously installed mirror. A second bracket portion extends from a second face of the support panel and is configured to receive the frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A bracket for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror without requiring removal of the previously installed mirror, said bracket comprising:
 a support panel having a first face and a second face; 
 a first bracket portion extending from said first face and configured to receive a portion of an outer edge of said previously installed mirror for removably securing said bracket to said previously installed mirror; 
 a second bracket portion extending from said second face and configured to receive and support said frame; and 
 one or more connection tabs, each connected to both said support panel and said second brace, wherein the bracket is integrally formed. 
 
     
     
       2. The bracket of  claim 1  wherein:
 said first bracket portion comprises a first extension web extending horizontally outward from said first face and a first brace extending vertically downward from said first extension web; and 
 said first face, an inner surface of said first extension web, and an inner surface of said first brace define a channel configured to receive the portion of the outer edge of said previously installed mirror. 
 
     
     
       3. The bracket of  claim 2  wherein:
 said second bracket portion comprises a second extension web extending horizontally outward from said second face and a second brace extending vertically upwards from said second extension web; and 
 the second brace comprises a lower portion connected to said second extension web and an upper portion having a free edge. 
 
     
     
       4. The bracket of  claim 3  wherein:
 said support panel, said first brace, and said second brace are spaced apart and extend parallel with one another. 
 
     
     
       5. The bracket of  claim 1  wherein:
 each of said connection tabs comprises a trapezoidal cross section. 
 
     
     
       6. The bracket of  claim 3  wherein:
 said second bracket portion extends from a mid-portion of said second face; and 
 said second brace extends below and above said second extension web such that a lower edge of said second brace is located below a lower edge of said second extension web. 
 
     
     
       7. The bracket of  claim 3  wherein:
 each of said number of connection tabs comprise a respective first end, second end, and a bottom edge, wherein the first end is connected to said second face, the second end is connected to the second brace, and the bottom edge is connected to said second extension web; 
 each of said number of connection tabs have an upper edge located below said free edge of said second brace; and 
 each of said number of connection tabs are spaced apart along said second extension web. 
 
     
     
       8. A method for removably mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror without removing the previously installed mirror or requiring permanent fasteners or adhesive, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing the frame; 
 providing a number of brackets, each comprising a support panel having a first face and a second face, a first bracket portion extending from said first face and comprising a first extension web extending horizontally outward from said first face and a first brace extending vertically downward from said first extension web, and a second bracket portion extending from said second face and comprising a second extension web extending horizontally outward from said second face and a second brace extending vertically upwards from said second extension web; 
 removably securing the first bracket portion of each of said number of brackets in a spaced apart manner about at an outer edge of said previously installed mirror by letting said previously installed mirror slide between the first brace and the support panel; and 
 removably securing the second bracket portion of each of said number of brackets into said frame by letting said frame slide between the second brace and the support panel such that a free edge of said second bracket portion contacts an interior surface of said frame; 
 wherein, upon completion of installation, said frame is installed to, and supported by, said previously installed mirror by way of said number of brackets in a removeable fashion. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8  wherein:
 said first face, an interface surface of said first extension web, and an inner surface of said first brace of each of said number of brackets define a channel configured to receive a respective portion of the outer edge of said previously installed mirror. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9  wherein:
 the second brace of each of said number of brackets comprises a lower portion connected to the second extension web; and 
 said free edge of the second brace of each of said number of brackets is located along an upper edge of an upper portion of said second brace. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10  wherein:
 each of said number of brackets further comprise a number of connection tabs, each extending from said support panel to said second brace of each of said number of brackets. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11  wherein:
 each of said connection tabs comprises a trapezoidal cross section. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11  wherein:
 said number of connection tabs fit into said frame; and 
 said number of connection tabs are spaced apart along said second extension web and extend upward therefrom to define an upper edge located below the free edge of the second brace.